A petition against proposed burial vaults at the Broulee Crematorium and Memorial Gardens was top of the agenda at the November 27 Eurobodalla Shire Council Meeting.
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Stuart Scobie spoke on behalf of the gardens, and said the vaults would be “discrete”.
“They are primarily used by people of European nationality,” he said.
“We are of the view they would enhance the gardens and provide culturally diverse burial options.”
He estimated the demand at approximately two vaults per year, based on “anecdote”.
Nearby residents spoke against the proposal, and said the gardens had not met conditions of previous development applications, including screening.
Both sides agreed a compromise was possible – but resident David Rivett said: “It would take a marked change in attitude of the proprietors for anything to progress.”
Mayor Liz Innes said the council would investigate the garden’s compliance with earlier development applications.
At the same meeting, Paul Smith, of Skydive Oz, spoke in favour of a proposed change of lease at Moruya Airport, which would allow the company to provide on-site camping during large skydiving events.
“We’ve run out of land, and are continuing to grow,” Mr Smith said.
“We started with one plane and two staff – now we have 16-plus staff. We have a number of large events coming up and just don’t have the space. Part of the culture (of skydiving) is to have on-site camping – we need it to win these events. We are competing with Sydney, Goulburn and Victoria. The campground up the road doesn’t fit our business model.”
The proposal said, per year, there would be about three three-day events at the site, with up to 20 campers, and up to three seven-day events at the site, with up to 50 campers.
The proposal also included provisions for the construction of a viewing deck.
Councillors voted in favour of the move – councillor Jack Tait said it was a “no-brainer”.
The proposed masterplan for Captain Oldrey Park in Broulee drew praise from Netball NSW representative Stephen Bourke, and criticism from Malua Bay resident Owen Cartledge.
Mr Bourke said Netball NSW intended to support development of the facilities at Captain Oldrey Park.
“We believe (the masterplan) is well considered and balances the needs of the community,” he said.
“Netball NSW will not be a passenger – we are willing and capable of seeking alternative funding sources.”
However, Mr Cartledge raised concerns about remnant Bangalay forest being earmarked for a possible oval in future.
“My concern is, in future, when alternative sites are examined (for a new oval) Eurobodalla Shire Council will not try very hard,” he said.
“If and when the oval goes ahead, there will only be a 40 per cent retention of Bangalay.”
Councillor Pat McGinlay put forward an amendment to the masterplan, which would remove “all references to the development of a third playing field”. It was unsuccessful. Crs Innes, Tait, councillor Lindsay Brown, councillor Maureen Nathan, councillor James Thomson and councillor Phil Constable voted to adopt the masterplan. Crs McGinlay and Mayne voted against. Councillor Rob Pollock was absent.
Cr Innes said the Bangalay forest was earmarked for future investigation to “clearly say to the community, in future, this is what could happen”.
The new masterplan also included provisions for developing a gravel path through the forest, to encourage greater use by the community.
Seventeen community groups will receive grants between $200 and $1000 as part of the 2018-19 Healthy Communities and Seniors Week Grants.
Cr Thomson said being part of the review panel was a rewarding experience.
“This is one of the fun jobs you get to do as a councillor,” he said.
“In some instances we were able to give groups more than they asked for.”
“Existing and proposed” alcohol restriction zones in the Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma areas were passed at the meeting. The zones are due for renewal in December.
“The preliminary review provided by police requested that alcohol restrictions to reserves and roads apply to all relevant areas within the Batemans Bay and Narooma CBDs,” the council said.
“Destination parks,” such as Lyons and Korners Parks in Batemans Bay; Quota and Rotary Parks in Narooma, would be exempt between the hours of 8am and 8pm, to allow for alcohol consumption at “family picnics”.